Meaning & use

condemn

verb·Academic

To express strong disapproval of something, usually publicly, or to sentence someone to a punishment.

See it in a sentence

World leaders quickly condemned the deadly attack on the foreign embassy.

The judge condemned the defendant to fifteen years in prison for the fraud.

A note on using this word

"Condemn" also describes officially declaring a building unfit for use, as in "the warehouse was condemned."

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To officially declare a building unsafe or unfit for use.

City inspectors condemned the apartment block after finding severe structural damage.

Make it your own

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